PATRONS will soon say cheers at the bar as pubs are permitted to open their doors for the first time in months next Monday.
In a press conference this week, Premier Steven Marshall announced South Australia’s pubs will allow up to 80 people from June 1.
Social distancing measures must be adhered to and pubs must contain patrons to groups of 20 in rooms or areas within the business.
Pubs will be allowed to serve alcohol without a meal from June 1 provided patrons are seated.
Penola’s Prince of Wales Hotel Motel owner Mark Millie welcomed the State Government’s pub backflip and said allowing 80 people in the pub was the figure he had hoped for.
“We are excited to open the doors on Monday which gives us the rest of the week to prepare and get ready,” Mr Millie said.
“We expect our opening will be well received by the community and they will enjoy being able to sit at a table and have a drink without needing to buy a meal as well.”
Mr Millie said hotel staff would provide table service to ensure social distancing measures were maintained.
“We will be lobbying for one person from the table to be able to come up and order for the table to still abide by social distancing but that is something for down the track,” he said.
Mr Millie said the mandatory closure of pubs in South Australia was devastating for management and staff and a number of employees had lost their jobs as a result.
“We decided we would keep the kitchen going as we had to provide for clients who were staying in the hotel and other accommodation areas around the town,” he said.
“We were the only place open for takeaway dinners around town and we average approximately 500 per week.”
Mr Millie said he was ready to pour beers again and accommodate patrons for a meal and a chat.
“Being in the business, you miss the faces and walking into an empty hotel is a bit heartbreaking,” he said.
“I think the government are very cautious and want to get things up and running and it would have been nicer to get things a bit quicker but we need to get this right.
“It has been two months, what is another week or two.”
Wattle Range mayor Des Noll said he anticipated further restrictions to be lifted and said it would help the economy for the council area.
However, he urged the community to continue to follow the health guidelines and adhere to the current restrictions in place.
As of next Monday, 50 people will be able to attend funerals and gatherings of 20 people will be permitted.
Gyms, cinemas, theatres, galleries, museums, beauty and tattoo parlours and driver training schools, will also be able to open from June 1.
Outdoor contact sport training and games will resume as of June 25.
